13.5MW solar farm at Townsend Farm, Poulshot, Devizes

What was proposed

A 13.5MW solar farm would occupy agricultural land for up to 40 years, with panels, buildings, cabling, fencing, access tracks and ecological measures.

“The application is for the installation of a solar farm comprising ground mounted solar PV panels with a generating capacity of up to 13.5 MW and associated infrastructure, including solar panel mounts, substation, inverters, storage containers, underground cabling, fencing, CCTV, internal roads and tracks, landscape and ecological enhancements for a period of 40 years.”

“Access to the Site for the solar farm operations and construction vehicles would be from the existing access point off Poulshot Road to the south east of the Site. A new internal access road is proposed for the movement of vehicles from the site access point to the main plant area. The internal access road would be approximately 3.5m wide, with passing places to allow two-way movement.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 29-hectare site is open agricultural countryside near Poulshot, with hedgerows, woodland, public rights of way, archaeological remains and areas at flood risk.

“The application site is located within open countryside as defined by the Wiltshire Core Strategy (WCS, 2015). The site area measures approximately 72 acres (29 hectares) and is formed of agricultural land, approximately 900m to the west of the small village of Poulshott. Surrounding land uses are also agricultural, with a small woodland to the northwest of the site.”

“The majority of the application site is located within flood zone 1 with a low risk of flooding. Part of the site and the access route lie within flood zone 2 and 3; where the access to the site meets with the identified highways to the southeast of the site. Parts of the site are also susceptible to surface water flooding.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An environmental impact screening opinion found an assessment unnecessary, while an earlier solar park north of the site was approved with conditions.

“PL/2021/03910 EIA screening opinion for proposed solar farm development EIA not required…”

“13/05244/FUL Construction of a 32.2 hectare Solar park to include the installation of solar panels to generate electricity, with associated plant buildings, perimeter fencing, cameras, landscaping and other associated works Approved with conditions 14/06783/VAR Variation of Condition 2 of planning permission 13/05244/FUL - Construction of a 32.2 hectare Solar park to include the installation of solar panels to generate electricity, with associated plant buildings, perimeter…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because renewable energy, biodiversity and climate benefits outweighed limited, temporary and manageable effects on agriculture, landscape, ecology and amenity.

“Summary of Key Benefits • Renewable Energy Generation: The scheme would deliver up to 13.5MW of clean energy, supporting Wiltshire’s carbon neutrality target and national climate goals – significant weight is attached to this. • Temporary and Reversible Use: The development is for a 40-year period and can be fully decommissioned, allowing restoration of the land – moderate weight is attached to this.”

“In conclusion, while the proposal will result in some temporary harm to landscape character, agricultural land use, and local amenity, these impacts are considered to be limited, reversible, and capable of mitigation. The significant public benefits of renewable energy generation, biodiversity enhancement, and climate change resilience outweigh the identified harms.”

Officer report

What consultees and residents said

Council officers generally supported the proposal subject to conditions, while parish councils and other organisations objected over flooding, traffic, landscape, farming, ecology and cumulative impacts.

“Objections summary: Agricultural Land & Food Security • Loss of 177 acres of productive farmland, much of it classified as Grade 2 and 3a (Best and Most Versatile land). • Site has historically supported successful crop and dairy farming. • No attempt to sell land to local farmers; land remains viable for agriculture. • Undermines national food security and Wiltshire’s strategic policies.”

“Flood Risk • Site lies adjacent to Semington Brook and a known floodplain. • Regular flooding already affects Poulshot Lane and surrounding areas. • Concerns over drainage and water runoff from hard surfaces. Energy Efficiency & Infrastructure • No on-site battery storage; energy may be wasted. • Panels have limited lifespan (12–20 years), yet the proposal spans 40 years. • Solar farms are inefficient compared to other renewable options (e.g., offshore wind).”

Officer report

Who spoke

Objectors, the applicant’s representatives and councillors from Poulshot and Worton Parish Councils addressed the committee, followed by Councillor Tamara Reay opposing the application.

What members discussed

Members questioned construction access, agricultural land, cumulative landscape effects, flooding, rights of way, panel replacement and environmental safeguards.

“It was explained by the Landscape Officer that his concerns were about the methodology of the Cumulative Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment commissioned by the applicant and not its conclusions. Due to the landform and existing vegetation, the Landscape Officer did not consider there to be any combined cumulative visual effects. He did not feel that there would be grounds to defend a decision to refuse the application on landscape grounds.”

“Extra information was sought about the potential impact of flooding on the maintenance of the site. It was explained that the majority of panels and the primary access to the site, from Poulshot Road, would be located in Flood Zon e 1, which was at low risk of flooding. The access road approaching the site from the south was located in an area prone to flooding. However, access would still be possible from the north where a public byway came off a highway.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee accepted the officer recommendation, with an amendment requiring relevant parish councils to be engaged about the Construction Management Plan.

“During the debate, Cllr Nick Holder proposed an amendment that relevant parish councils were engaged with about the Construction Management Plan. This was accepted as a friendly amendment by Cllrs Hopkinson and Palmén, the proposer and seconder of the original motion.”

“The Head of Development Management highlighted that changes could be made to Condition 19 [now 18] to reflect the updated substantive motion, which was accepted by ascent of the Committee.”

Minutes

The application was approved

The committee approved the 13.5MW solar farm and associated infrastructure, subject to conditions including restoration, drainage, archaeology, landscaping, ecology, highways and flood protection.

“That the application for the erection of a 13.5MW solar farm and associated infrastructure be approved.”

“2) The permission hereby granted shall be for a temporary period and shall expire 40 years from the date that electricity from the development is first exported to the electricity distribution network (‘First Export Date’) or no later than 44 years from the date of this decision, whichever is the sooner. Written confirmation of the First Export Date shall be provided to the Local Planning Authority no later than 1 calendar month after that First Export Date.”

Minutes